FHP surprises grieving Immokalee family with Christmas gifts

Published: Updated:

IMMOKALEE, Fla. — Four children received a Christmas surprise Wednesday, little more than two months after their 6-year-old brother was killed in a crash.

Florida Highway Patrol troopers surprised the children with gifts at their Gross Avenue home.

“It felt like this was a dream,” said Celia Reynosa.

Celia’s brother, Luis Reynosa Francisco, died from the injuries he suffered when he darted in front of a 2007 GMC Sierra at the roundabout on North 19th Street near Immokalee Road on Oct. 7, the Florida Highway Patrol said. He had been walking to a bus stop with his mother.

A Department of Children and Families investigation into the wreck continues.

Thursday, troopers did their best to put that out of the minds of the children, each of whom had their own sack to open.

“Our goal was to give these children a reminder to them that this world can still be a magical place,” FHP Lt. Greg Bueno said.

Luis’ mother got a gift card, and the kids got bicycles, scooters and more.

“I like all the presents because I know my brother would appreciate it, too,” said Andres Reynosa.

Santa patrol

The Punta Gorda Police Department also got into the holiday spirit, sending Santa Claus out in a patrol car to pull over drivers. Santa handed out candy canes instead of tickets.

Copyright ©2024 Fort Myers Broadcasting. All rights reserved.

This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without prior written consent.